The first-ever Sustainable Development Congress in Sharjah, to be held on February 22 and 23, is expected to bring about practical mechanisms that would help improve the local economy and environment.

Well-respected UAE business and political leaders have been invited to share their experiences. Sheikh Abdul Aziz bin Ali Al Nuaimi, also known as the Green Sheikh, will share his best practices as chairman of the Green Base Environmental Services and environmental adviser to the government of Ajman.

The congress is being organised by the Alleem Learning Center (ALC) founded by Dr Rashid Alleem in 2001. Dr. Alleem is the Director General of the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority and Sharjah Department of Seaports and Customs.

'In today’s fast moving economy, we are confronted with increasingly complex risks such as the financial meltdown, global warming, and changing demographics, among others,' explained Alleem.

'No single individual, government, NGO or corporation can meet these challenges on its own. Only by joining hands in a broad public discourse and by exchanging our ideas and expertise can we meet global challenges together.'

The initiative aims to address the goal of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014, DESD) which is to integrate the principles, values, and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning.

Recently, the Business Council for Sustainable Development UAE and ALC signed a MoU to jointly promote sustainable development throughout Sharjah's business community.-TradeArabia News Service